Inclusion of materials in this publication is for information only; it does
not imply endorsement of any product by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
SugarTrac Update
The SugarTrac is a new non-invasive glucose monitor. It does not need blood,
it is small, small, inexpensive, and equipped for speech. The manufacturer,
LifeTrac, from Fort Myers, Florida, is seeking official approval, from the Food
and Drug Administration, and expects to receive it by April of 2005.
Richard Peters, inventor of the SugarTrac, is upbeat about his product's prospects.
His company is working with Harvard Medical School to complete the administrative
requirements.
We need a practical, inexpensive, easy-to-use, talking, non-invasive blood glucose
monitor, and the SugarTrac, given any luck at all, should be that meter. I'll
be waiting, and as soon as I know something more, I'll let VOICE readers know
the specifics. For information, contact LifeTrac, from Fort Myers, Florida;
telephone: 1-877-768-6978; website: (www.sugartrac.net)
Newsline for the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind's NEWSLINE is an electronic publication
of major daily newspapers, specifically tailored for blind and visually-impaired
readers. Newsline electronically "reads" all of each day's edition,
which is immediately made available via modem to the local distribution centers.
Users listen to the articles they choose, read to them in a synthesized voice.
The reader is free to jump between articles, sections, and publications, and
to pick the speed of reading to suit their needs. There is no subscription fee,
and Newsline is not the Internet, so no computer is necessary to use it, just
a touch-tone telephone. Service is available to any person at least legally
blind. There is no charge.
For further information, contact Newsline Network, National Federation of the
Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: 1-888-882-1629.
Tax Help
For assistance with completing your year 2004 tax forms, you can telephone the
Internal Revenue Service, toll-free: 1-800-829-1040; website: (www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms-pubs)
New Gastroparesis Treatment
Gastroparesis is interuption of parastalsis, the normal travel of food dthrough
the digestive system. It is one result of autonomic neuropathy, nerve damage
to the functional systems of the body -- and, for diabetics, it can be extremely
serious. Interfering with the regularity of digestion, gastroparesis can make
blood glucose control next to impossible.
There have been few treatments. DIABETES CARE magazine (27:2341-47, 2004), a
leading, peer-reviewed, professional medical journal, reports a new one, from
an unlikely source.
Botulism is an often fatal form of food poisoning, but botulism toxin has been
used (as Botox) by plastic surgeons, to remove wrinkles. It is a paralyzing
agent, and researchers wondered if, injected into the pylorus, the sphincter
valve at the base of the stomach (a frequent site of the spasms that can characterize
gastroparesis), Botox might offer relief.
Eight patients with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis volunteered for the study
-- and experienced general relief of symptoms.
Researchers immediately called for larger studies of the procedure, to determine
its long-term safety and efficacy. NOTE: It will be some time before these studies
are completed.
Diabetes Supplies
American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door.
They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Folks with Medicare
and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies at no further cost.
For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., 400 S. Atlantic Ave.,
Suite 108, Ormond Beach, FL 32176; telephone: 1-800-453-9033, ext. 200; website:
(www.americandiabeticsupply.com)
Healthy Cookbooks
JoAnna Lund writes healthy cookbooks. They are simple, "common folks"
recipes, and all contain both complete nutrient counts and diabetic exchanges.
There are three titles: Fast, Cheap, and Easy; Grandma Jo's Soup Kettle; and
Fresh From the Hearth. Price is $10 each, or $25 for all three. There is no
shipping charge. Contact: Healthy Exchanges, PO Box 80, DeWitt, IA 52742; telephone:
1-800-766-8961; website: (www.healthyexchanges.com)
Small Package
We Have Been Asked To Announce: Exercise is important -- but do you need all
those machines at the gym? Maybe not. Fitness expert Phil Black, a former U.S.
Navy SEAL, knows a lot about workouts that just take space on your floor --
and he has packaged his manual as a deck of cards. Now the Navy SEALs are the
fittest of all, but the FITDECK workout is designed for beginners through advanced,
for folks who want to get fit. New FITDECK ULTRA will target the "ironman"
types.
FITDECK costs $18.95 ($24.95 with instructional DVD as well), from: FITDECK,
7081 Weller Street, San Diego, CA 92122; telephone: (858) 453-6644; website:
(www.fitdeck.com)
Large Print Books
Many people keep up with the latest bestsellers through book clubs. The clubs
are bargains. The problem has been all their books came in standard print, and
some of us need something bigger. Doubleday, a major book publisher, has come
to the rescue. Check out the Doubleday Large Print Book Club. All text is 14
point or larger, and the books are up to 30% cheaper than publisher's list price.
Get your bestsellers in a font you can read more easily. Contact: Doubleday
Large Print Book Club, PO Box 6338, Camp Hill, PA 17001-9058; website: (www.joinDLP.com)
New E-mail Diabetes List
Our Diabetes Action Network now offers its own 'listserv,' ([email protected]).
Although its primary focus is on blindness and diabetes, any and all discussions
concerning diabetes are welcome. We welcome topics like: diet, devices, healthcare,
diabetes control, and how to improve the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC. Remember, please
do not give any direct medical advice, unless you are a medical professional.
Membership is free, and open to all.
There are two ways to sign up. You can go to the following website: (www.nfbnet.org/mailman.listinfo/diabetes-talk),
or you can sign up by e-mail, by sending a message to: ([email protected])
and putting "subscribe" in the subject line.
Did You Use Vioxx?
Some individuals who used the pain medication Vioxx experienced complications
from the drug. If you used this medication, were a caregiver for someone who
did, you might want to find out more about your legal options. Contact: Dean
Spurlock, Attorney, 5601 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112; telephone: 1-800-700-1075.
New Survey
We Have Been Asked To Announce: Volunteers are needed for a survey of blind
or visually impaired users of home blood pressure monitors, who have diabetes.
The survey covers your experiences using your home blood pressure monitor, and
should take approximately 1/2-hour of your time over the telephone. A $15 stipend
will be paid to all participants. Contact: Darren Burton or Taine Duncan, American
Foundation for the Blind, 949 3rd Avenue, Suite 200, Huntington, WV 25701; telephone:
(304) 523-8651; e-mail: ([email protected])
Diabetic Foot Products
The following products were specifically designed by podiatrist Dr. Kenneth
B. Rehm, DPM, to help treat diabetic conditions of the human foot.
* DiabetiCream; $30 (plus S&H) for a 4-oz. tube. Apply to clean, dry feet,
to help alleviate dryness and cracking. Use with massage will help circulation.
* ToeSoak; $20 each (plus S&H). Foot shampoo.
* ToesEase; (foot and toenail cleaner) $20 (plus S&H) for an 8-oz. supply
All these products are available from: The Diabetic Foot and Wound Treatment
Center, 1529 Grand Avenue, Suite C, San Marcos, CA 92069; telephone: (760) 471-8637;
website: (www.thediabeticfoot.com)
Diabetic Supplies On Line
Pharmacist Bryan Luna, Rph, offers diabetes supplies, including glucose monitors,
on line at (www.diabeticsupplies.com). This convenient website is simply laid
out, and can be accessed in large print, too. For those without the internet,
telephone: 1-877-787-7543. They will file your Medicare, Medicaid, and private
insurance forms. Free product catalog; 30-day money-back guarantee.
Jelly Beans
Everybody likes jelly beans. We avoid them, of course, because they're full
of sugar. Isn't it time for some tasty sugar-free ones? Jelly Belly Candy Company,
the experts, offer a line of sugar-free jelly beans, gummy bears, and other
candies, all 35 percent lower in total calories. Make a child happy -- maybe
the one inside? Contact: Jelly Belly Candy Company, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield,
CA 94533; telephone: 1-800-522-3267; website: (www.jellybelly.com)
Diabetes Literature from NFB National Center
The National Federation of the Blind maintains an extensive literature collection,
with free materials on many subjects, including diabetes, available in a variety
of formats. The diabetes articles are available, in large print or on 4-track
audiocassette, in a single volume titled: DIABETES ACTION NETWORK ARTICLES,
or singly, in large print. These are free of charge.
The Materials Center also has a supply, in Braille and on 4-track audiocassette,
of the new ADA EXCHANGE LIST FOR MEAL PLANNING, 2003 Edition. In Braille, price
is $10; on tape, $2.
To order, or to request a complete NFB literature catalog, contact: NFB Materials
Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
You may also order by e-mail: ([email protected]). The Materials Center is open
8:00 am to 5 pm, EST, weekdays.
New Diabetes Resource List
The Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind now offers
the 2004-2005 edition of DIABETES RESOURCES: EQUIPMENT, SERVICES AND INFORMATION,
our comprehensive list of resources for diabetics. Diabetes Resources is our
compilation of companies and individuals offering products and/or information
to help diabetics, especially those who are blind or are losing vision, self-manage
their diabetes. The list contains many subject categories, including: Insulin
Measurement Devices, Insulin Syringe Magnifiers, Insulin Injection Systems,
Diabetic Foot Care, Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, Insulin Pumps, Products
for the Blind, Food and Diet, Literature and Information, Distributors of Diabetes
Equipment and Supplies, and Medication Assistance.
Blind diabetics can and do accurately draw up insulin, monitor blood glucose,
and perform the other tasks of independent self-management. By using alternative
techniques and products, they can continue being independent, and control their
diabetes as efficiently as do their sighted peers. Limitations are usually self-imposed
-- often, all that is needed to overcome negative thinking is simply to know
where to go for information.
DIABETES RESOURCES: EQUIPMENT, SERVICES, AND INFORMATION (2004-2005 edition)
costs $5 per copy, and is available in Braille, large print, and 4-track audiocassette,
or you can access it on the NFB website: (www.nfb.org/diabres)
http://www.nfb.org Please order from: National Federation of the Blind, Materials
Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
Note: the NFB Materials Center is open weekdays 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time.
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Specialty Shoes and Diabetic Supplies, Inc., from Beaumont, Texas, is a one-stop
supplier for your diabetes needs. They stock blood glucose meters, strips, lancets,
vacuum erection devices (for diabetic impotence), other diabetes care items,
and, of course, specialty pedorthic footwear. They accept Medicare, Medicaid,
Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and private insurance. Contact them at: SSDS, 229 Dowlen
Road, Suite 15A, Beaumont, TX 77706; telephone: 1-877-817-7737; e-mail: ([email protected])
The 2005 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
This year's scholarship program, for blind students planning higher education,
will be the 22nd since the organization determined to expand the number, variety,
and value of the scholarships presented at the NFB annual convention every July.
The Federation plans to present at least three of the scholarships to students
who won scholarship awards in a previous competition. All current students who
were scholarship winners in previous years should take particular note of this
program and consider applying for the 2005 National Federation of the Blind
scholarships.
Full-time employees interested in pursuing post-secondary degrees should take
a close look at the scholarship form, because one award may be given to a part-time
student holding down a full-time job.
Order scholarship forms from: Materials Center, National Federation of the Blind,
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, or from NFB State presidents. The
2005 scholarship application form is now downloadable from the NFB website:
(www.nfb.org)
Diabetes Planner
We Have Been Asked To Announce: Executives, students, teachers, and busy professionals
use planners to organize their appointments. What about a planner specifically
for your diabetes? Day-Timers, Inc., now offers the Diabetes Management Planner.
There are two formats: "pocket" and "desk" size, and the
planner is available in English or Spanish. Price is $29.99, available from
Day-Timers Website: (www.daytimer.com/diabetes), or by telephone: 1-800-832-6625.
Easy Diabetic Cookbook
If you want to prepare healthy diabetic meals, but find most cookbooks just
too complicated, you need Linda Coffee and Emily Cale's new and improved DIABETIC
4 INGREDIENT COOKBOOK. There are almost twice as many recipes as before, 350,
in all food categories, with complete nutritional and exchange information,
each one using four ingredients. The book costs $19.95 (+$3.50 shipping), from:
Coffee and Cale, PO Box 2121, Kerrville, TX 78029; telephone: 1-800-757-0838;
(www.fouringredientcookbook.com)
Diabetic Products
Health Care Products makes many over-the-counter medications and supplements
for diabetics, including Multi-Betic Vitamins and DiabetiDerm skin cream (with
L-Arginine) for the feet. Find these products in the diabetic section of Eckerd,
Osco, Sav-on, Target, GNC, and other retailers. For information, contact: Health
Care Products, 369 Bayview Avenue, Amityville NY 11701; telephone: 1-866-263-9003;
website: (www.diabeticproducts.com)
Adaptive Computing Equipment
Freedom Scientific is a powerhouse adaptive equipment maker for the blind and
visually impaired computer user. A union of Arkenstone, Blazie Engineering,
and Henter-Joyce, Freedom Scientific offers screen magnifiers (including MAGic
9 software, which both magnifies up to 16x and speaks the words on the screen),
talking attachments (voice synthesizers) for your computer, Braille printers
and much more. Whether you need adaptive software or hardware, check them out:
Freedom Scientific; telephone: 1-800-444-4443; website: (www.freedomscientific.com)
New Hypoglycemia Alarm
Diabetes brings with it the risk of hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. Some of us
need some help. What many of us need is an alarm, a device to warn us we're
going low, when we cannot tell for ourselves. There is now such a device --
FDA approved.
Diabetes Sentry Products, from Bellingham, Washington, offers the Sleep Sentry,
a wrist watch-sized device that sounds an audible warning whenever the wearer's
blood sugar drops too low. Not a blood glucose monitor, this noninvasive device
meters changes in body temperature and sweat consistent with hypoglycemia, and
sounds a warning in time for you to take action. Completely noninvasive and
continuous, the Sleep Sentry costs $399, shipping included, and may be ordered
from: Diabetes Sentry Products Inc., 1200 Dupont St., Suite #1D, Bellingham,
WA 98225; telephone: 1-866-270-5675; website: www.sleepsentry.com
Input Needed
Diabetes Educator Ann Williams, who writes a column for the VOICE each issue,
wants to do one on "diabetes definitions," all those $64 words the
doctors "use to confuse." Do you have a favorite(!) diabetes term
or two you'd like to see defined in plain English? Send it in, to: Ann Williams,
c/o VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, 1412 I-70 Drive SW, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203;
or at e-mail: ([email protected])
VOICE Formats
VOICE OF THE DIABETIC is offered in two formats: standard print, and 15/16 ips
audiocassette, "talking book" speed. Anyone who is currently receiving
the VOICE in print and having difficulty reading it, may receive it on cassette
at no charge. Voice tapes REQUIRE the special tape player available free to
the legally blind from Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped,
which can be obtained by telephoning the National Library Service at: 1_800_424_8567.
Note: Attempting to play Voice tapes (or any other tapes recorded for the Blind
in NLS format) on a conventional music-speed tape player will fail, yielding
only incomprehensible "chipmunk sounds."
The VOICE is also available, free, by e-mail, distributed quarterly. Go to:
(www.nfbcal.org/listserv-signup.html) to sign up.
Periodically we receive requests for the VOICE in Braille or large print. It
is not available in either of those formats, at this time.
All a subscriber needs to do, to switch from standard print to tape, or to receive
both formats, free of charge, is contact us at the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC Editorial
Office.
Articles Needed
If you have diabetes, are a family member or friend of a diabetic, or a health
professional with an interest in diabetes, we invite you to submit an article
for publication in the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC.
Our philosophy regarding diabetes is positive. Do you have an inspiring, enlightening
story? We, the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind,
seek to show people they are not alone, and do have options, regardless of diabetic
complications. If you have experienced ramifications, others, who may be facing
the same side-effects, could benefit from what you have to say.
Perhaps you have not experienced complications -- your unique insight, coping
strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend,
or a health professional? More than 339,025 VOICE readers could benefit from
your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: VOICE OF THE DIABETIC,
1412 I-70 Drive SW, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875-8911.